So Jason, tell the people about what we did on the 4th and 5th of July.

Well Francesca, we went to the University of Canterbury to meet the amazing science communicator and astrophysicist Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson.

And how did we get in that situation?

The two of us entered and WON a competition which called on students from all around New Zealand to show their love for science in whatever way they chose.

What was your entry?

I wrote a passionate description of how science has influenced my life. What about you Francesca?

Mine was a bit unusual… I wrote science-themed parody lyrics of the song All Star by Smash Mouth, which is quite well known. My most famed lines include “Hey now, you’re a scientist” and “Somebody once told me that science is too boring / They’re the biggest fool that I’ve met…”

Wow that is awesome! Do Smash Mouth know?

Funny that you should ask! The Australian Academy of Science tweeted my creation and tagged the band, and they actually retweeted it! I was stunned. I had never been this famous before. I can cross “get Smash Mouth to follow me on Twitter” off my bucket list now. But enough about me. How did you enjoy the first part of our adventure, the tour of UC science facilities?

It was so cool! We got to visit all of UC’s major science departments, and they gave us a taste of what it might like to study science at UC. The best part was probably when we visited the chemistry department, as the scientists told us about the research they were doing. One guy in particular, whose name was Dinga, couldn't stop passionately explaining to us what he was researching for his PhD in computing chemistry - he kept running out of time, and begged us for more.

Yeah, he was great. I’m actually considering majoring in chemistry now. I guess he achieved his purpose!

What did you think of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s presentation at the Horncastle arena?

It was spectacular! The arena was packed with people who had come to hear Neil’s words of wisdom. His talk was titled “A Cosmic Perspective” and he started small and then expanded to talk about things that were a billion times larger than our solar system. He didn’t just talk about science either, he touched on humanity and society as well. He seemed to know everything. What was your favourite part?

I loved how he made our tiny lives seem insignificant in the grand scheme of our humbling universe. It just put things into perspective. I also liked that he opened the floor, so that anyone could ask him a question. It surprised me when a ten year old wandered up to him, and asked questions on quantum physics, black holes, and superfluids! Didn’t you get to ask him a interesting question as well?

Well, I almost missed out. There were just too many people who wanted a chance to talk to him. They finished the show before I got to ask my question. Luckily, getting a photo with him was part of our prize for winning the competition, so as soon as that was done I quickly jumped in and asked it.

What was your question again?

Well, he had talked earlier about the unmanned Voyager spacecraft which is now drifting out in space, and will continue on forever. He said that it even had “Earth’s address” on it in case aliens ever find it! And I wanted to know how you would describe the “address” of the Earth.

Was it 42 Milky Way Place?

Ha ha. No. Apparently there are these very rare neutron stars by which the exact location of the Earth has been triangulated. He explained that aliens would be able to figure out what the co-ordinates meant, since they are likely to be way smarter than we are.

So that’s how you got here.

…Anyway, why don’t you explain what happened on the next day?

The next day was a lot more chill, we just sat in a lecture theatre, and we were lucky enough to experience short seminars by scientists and UC students explaining their subject and research. We even got to meet someone who was shortlisted to be a NASA astronaut.

It was so cool! Being an astronaut for NASA was one of my dreams, until I realised you have to be an American citizen…

You never know, New Zealand did just start their own space program.

That's very true. I shouldn't give up on my dream!

So do you think the experience inspired you?

Definitely! It strengthened my conviction that science is the career path for me. Although I am very indecisive so who knows what will happen… How about you?

I just loved meeting Dr deGrasse Tyson. It was so worth entering the competition.

Yeah! I didn't expect to win at all with my very random entry, but it just goes to show what happens when you take opportunities.

In this issue

Musical Extravaganza